Holiday Food Drive set for Friday on downtown square

FILE - Over 5,000 pounds of non perishable food was collected at Meadowbrook Church and delivered to Interfaith in Ocala this November.

Lisa Crigar/Ocala Star-Banner

Staff report

Published: Monday, December 2, 2013 at 1:12 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 2, 2013 at 1:12 p.m.

Marion County has announced a Holiday Food Drive for Friday on the Ocala Downtown Square as a culmination of its involvement in the "Bring the Harvest Home" campaign.

Public agencies, businesses and individuals have teamed up since early November to collect donations for the county's neediest families. The donations are being distributed to Brother's Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army.

In a news release, the county urges residents and business donors to stop by the square between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. and drop off non-perishable food items or and toiletries.

They're also invited to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, courtesy of the Sheriff's Office.

"This holiday food drive will be one last push to help restock area pantries' shelves with the food and goods that will carry our neighbors in need through the holidays,” Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant said in a prepared statement.

<p>Marion County has announced a Holiday Food Drive for Friday on the Ocala Downtown Square as a culmination of its involvement in the "Bring the Harvest Home" campaign.</p><p>Public agencies, businesses and individuals have teamed up since early November to collect donations for the county's neediest families. The donations are being distributed to Brother's Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army.</p><p>In a news release, the county urges residents and business donors to stop by the square between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. and drop off non-perishable food items or and toiletries.</p><p>They're also invited to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, courtesy of the Sheriff's Office.</p><p>"This holiday food drive will be one last push to help restock area pantries' shelves with the food and goods that will carry our neighbors in need through the holidays,” Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant said in a prepared statement.</p><p> </p><p>Local food banks need the following items:</p><p>- Dry goods/foods (rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, peanut butter and jelly).</p><p>- Canned meats (corned beef, corned beef hash, ham and tuna).</p><p>- Canned vegetables and fruit.</p><p>- Baby items (powdered formula, diapers and lotion).</p><p>- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and toilet paper).</p><p>For more information on the Holiday Food Drive, contact the Marion County Office of Public Information at 352-438-2300 or visit www.bringtheharvesthome.com.</p>